Melinda on everything from hair to Haley

Melinda Doolittle, the day after exiting “American Idol,” sounded upbeat as she spoke of her elimination, plans for an album, her sexiest wigs and giving a neck hug to San Antonio’s Haley Scarnato.

“That’s my girl!” she said of Haley, who was in the “Idol” audience Wednesday when Melinda was given her walking papers.

Doolittle said she looked forward to today’s rehearsal for the finale and getting to “hug her neck,” and catch up with the rest of the top 10.

As for the rest of today’s conference call with TV critics. . . some highlights:

Why does she think she was sent home?

“I was up against two amazing contestants”  Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks, she said. Also, being the oldest of the trio might have had something to do with it. “I was probably getting a little bit of the older vote,” she said, explaining that they may vote, say five times, rather than using the whole two hours. “Personally, I believe I’ve won,” she said, explaining she’s happy to have gotten this far in the competition.

What style of CD does she intend to make?

Soul music, anything from the heart. I love a groove, anything where I can tell a story.”

Who did she laugh with backstage?

“Everyone’s hilarious out here,” she said. “Blake is the class clown.”

Was she shocked when Ryan Seacrest gave her the news. “I had an idea it would be me, so I was kind of prepared for it.”

Did she speak to Simon after the show? “Yes. He was ultra-supportive,” she said, adding: “He was explaining to me that he believes in me and is waiting to see me succeed.”

When did she feel she really started to let loose, a la Paula’s suggestion? “Sadly, I think the first time I let loose was after I was eliminated.” And she definitely was explosive when she sang her swan song: “I’m a Woman.”

As the competition wound down to the final six, Melinda seemed to perform with a much sexier attitude. Where did that come from?

Laughing, Melinda chalked it up to  well  hair. “Blame it on the new wigs. I love them,” she said. “I started to name them. Last night I had ‘Whitney’ on. ‘Whitney’ is my new favorite. Maybe she helped.”